Head Referees: What is their main responsibility?

[pakrat]

After attending GLR and Waterloo this year as well as numerous regionals in the past and Championships, I find myself wondering what the true responsibilities of the Head referee are.

I'll add my opinion and i am not trying to say any head ref i've ever interacted with is wrong, I'm just trying to learn a little more about what their responsibilities are and maybe if CD thinks new reponsibilities should be added.

[bbguy5]

Straight from VIMS

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for training, directing and supervising all Referees. Oversees all scoring processes and procedures. Has final authority for decisions regarding team scores. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play, and maintaining the pace of the event.



*Must sign a Volunteer Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Form prior to start of service



BENEFITS OF THE POSITION

· Make a difference in the lives of youth by creating a fun, meaningful, and inspirational experience for team members

· Significant level of responsibility

· High visibility role

· Ability to work and interact with volunteers, team members and students, contracted and FIRST staff

· Ability to contribute to the successful execution of the competition; impact quality of event

· Positioned on perimeter of the playing field; fast-paced action

· Physically active role, not sedentary

· Opportunity to work in an exciting, fun, highly charged environment



ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Demonstrate Gracious Professionalism

· Conduct referee training; may attend Volunteer Meeting if desired

· Supervise referees

· Observe matches, “call” and announce rule infractions; determines penalties

· Lead score deliberations and make final decision regarding match scores.

· Provide match scores to the Scorekeeper/Field Power Controller

· Participate in deliberations with the Field Supervisor, Lead Robot Inspector, and Innovation First staff regarding robot-related issues raised by opposing team

· Work closely with the Field Supervisor and Scorekeeper/Field Power Controller to ensure matches proceed smoothly and matches are on schedule

· Monitor and promote safe practices on and around the playing field; wear safety glasses during the matches

· Secure and distributes referee supplies



EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED

· Two years FIRST referee experience strongly suggested

· Demonstrate diplomacy and authority; be assertive, but tactful

· Thorough knowledge of the competition game and rules of play

· Outgoing personality; high energy

· Strong communication, diplomacy skills

· Self-directed individual

· Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team

· Attention to detail

· Ability to move about the field

· Ability to stand for long periods of time

· Strong assessment skills



TRAINING:

Provided by FIRST headquarters prior to start of competition season. May include: live and/or recorded web conferences, teleconference(s), manual and other support materials, email communications and one-on-one support. First-year volunteer may serve in an apprentice role, working with a veteran Head Referee.



TIME COMMITMENT AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Commitment: Thursday (training), Friday, and Saturday; participation in training offered by FIRST

[Stephen Kowski]

from my experience reffing the head ref is the main person to explain the rulings on the field, and to be the final say on all decisions on the field along with accepting the responsibility that comes with that. From what I've been around and seen it is not the easiest job in the world. Though I think your poll should allow for multiple answers because I would have selected the first three....it is not ONE particular thing....